With a flu outbreak causing a hospital in North Arkansas to restrict its visitors, local residents fear that a similar outbreak could be on the way to the Russellville River Valley.

According to Dr. Jeremy Saul, a family practice physician at Millard Henry, there’s been an increase in flu cases this year compared to recent years.

“I think we are seeing an increase this year,” he said. “Last year, with the bird flu scare, there were more people getting shots.”

Saul said 20 positive flu tests have been reported, compared with zero from a month ago.

With the first handful of positive flu tests, the clinic will now begin treating the flu based on its strain.

“Other viruses have some flu-like symptoms,” Saul said. “But once we get a few of the positive tests, we can see what the flu is doing this year and treat it accordingly.”

But with proper precautions, Saul said, people can ensure that they’ll have a flu-free winter. The flu is spread by respiratory droplets, so people should make sure to cough into their elbows. Residents should also make sure to wash their hands regularly to avoid coming in contact with the virus.

“If you wash your hands and avoid sharing the same air space with infected people, your chances of getting the flu are zero,” he said.

The North Arkansas Medical Center in Harrison says it’s restricting visitors because of an outbreak of influenza cases in the area.

The hospital says no one under the age of 16 will be allowed to visit the hospital, effective immediately.

The Baxter Bulletin reports that the hospital is providing masks for visitors to wear over their mouths and noses while in the facility.

According to the Center for Disease control, Arkansas is one of several states seeeing wide-spread cases of flu.

For more information on the flu from the CDC, please follow htis link: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#ISTE.

Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center is keeping a close eye on the number and the severity of upper respiratory illnesses that come through their Emergency Department (ED) as well as the number of patients admitted to the hospital.

“In December Saint Mary’s ED has seen a noted increase of RSV, upper respiratory illness, viral illness and pneumonia from prior months,” said Monica Baxter, RN, Infection Control Nurse at Saint Mary’s. “There have been positive flu screens through our lab, but not a large volume.” Flu activity is monitored at the hospital and reported to the State Department of health at regular intervals throughout the flu season.

With all indications that it may be a rough flu season, people may want to be more vigilant about a simple habit that many neglect: hand washing. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), flu season is ramping up early this year – for the first time in almost a decade – and the predominant strain thus far (H3N2) is generally associated with a severe flu season.

Getting the flu vaccine — an excellent match for the current strain — is the single best way to protect oneself from the flu. But good hand washing is a very important safeguard against a number of illnesses.

Hand washing in health care facilities is seen as one of the most important factors in stopping the spread of disease. But how does it factor in our everyday lives?

“Hand washing is the most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick,” said Baxter. “Germs are spread from unclean hands to food, then from food to those who eat it. This is an almost totally preventable way of spreading disease.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), hand washing is important for many reasons including:

n Children and the elderly can have weaker immune systems than adults and can become sick quicker.

n About a third of E. coli outbreaks is caused by poor hand washing by food preparers.

n Germs that cause disease live in meat, vegetables, and just about any food item.

n Germs can spread from uncooked foods like hamburger to the hands, then spread to other foods, even salads.

To thoroughly wash hands, Baxter said, one should use clean, running warm or cold water (not hot) with soap. Rub the hands together creating a lather. Make sure to scrub the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails, continuing to rub for at least 20 seconds. Children can use a well-tried method of singing the “Happy Birthday Song” from beginning to end twice. Rinse under running water and dry with a clean towel or air dry.

“If water and soap are not available, a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol can be used,” Baxter said. “If your hands are visibly dirty, hand sanitizers are not as effective. If you do use sanitizer, just apply to the palm of the hand and rub together until the hands are dry.”

With common sense and taking just a few seconds to properly wash hands, anyone can lead a healthier life for themselves and those around them, Baxter said.

In addition to good hand washing practices, Baxter encourages area residents to get their annual flu vaccination, stay home when they are ill, and see your family physician immediately upon exhibiting flu symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough and a cold sweats. Saint Mary’s Regional Health System employees voluntarily participate in annual flu vaccinations and practice vigilant hand washing protocols to help prevent the spread of the flu.

The hospital’s website features a “Flu I.Q.” quiz as well as a video on how to properly wash hands. To access the quiz, for a medical staff directory or for more information about services available at Saint Mary’s, visit the website at www.saintmarysregional.com.